Cuski and I were vacationing in Munich this past October and I’m finally getting around to sharing some photos of this gorgeous city. To answer your first question, no we didn’t go during Oktoberfest and part of the reason was the price. Our hotel/flight package ended up being very reasonable because we arrived at the end of October. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Munich, check out the Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central (TripAdvisor). It’s very convenient for Oktoberfest-goers or city explorers, only a short walk to Theresienwiese where all the Oktoberfest action happens, as well as various transit options that can get you to Marienplatz in about 10-15 minutes. Anyway… here are some of the highlights from our trip. The food post will come later 😛

Marienplatz

This is the main square in Munich where most of the action is… shopping, trendy restaurants, landmarks, oh and there’s free wifi in front of the Neues Rathaus (which we used quite often so we can find our way around). You can climb up the Rathaus and St. Peter’s Church to get an overhead view of the city… and Munich looked breathtaking in the fall. Frauenkirche was also nearby but was under renovation so part of it was hidden behind scaffolding. Too bad.

Viktualienmarkt

This is an open air market and probably one of our favourite parts of the city. Here you’ll find lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, a large variety of meat and sausages, and artisans selling handmade wares. It’s a good place to get cheap, good quality food… just walk into one of the deli shops and ask for a Semmel and choose your meat. Meat in a bun for less than 5 euros. Done. For dessert, just around the corner from Viktualienmarkt is Cafe Frischhut, where you can get a Schmalznudel or Krapfen. Don’t ask, just go and do it. Mmmmm fried sugary dough…. we went back there twice, we couldn’t get enough.

Odeonsplatz

This is another large square not too far from Marienplatz also with trendy bars and restaurants. Hofgarten is just across the street if you want to explore the beautiful garden and Dianatempel right in the centre of it all.

Schloss Nymphenburg

So we got there too late and couldn’t get a tour of the palace but the garden was still open so off we walked. The park is massive and I always wondered where all the runners were in Munich. The answer: on the palace grounds. They don’t have to deal with traffic, they’re one with nature, and they can get the distance they need without leaving the premises. Definitely check it out, it’s very beautiful to walk around and even have a picnic.

Neuschwanstein / Hohenschwangau

This was a bit of a trek but well worth it. After a 2-3 hour train and bus trip, we visited King Ludwig II’s unfinished dream castle near Füssen called Neuschwanstein. The castle where he grew up (Hohenschwangau) was also in the vicinity (the next hill over). We booked a tour just for Neuschwanstein but you can book a tour for both castles. It’s advisable to reserve if you want a specific time otherwise it’s also possible to just wing it and see what’s available when you get there. We just winged it but during peak tourist season, I would reserve just to be on the safe side. It was very foggy when we went but the pictures turned out pretty good anyway… kind of like a creepy fairy tale. We also took some time to walk through the trails. There’s a way to walk around Alpsee but it would’ve taken too long so we didn’t venture too far.

Dachau

Dachau is where the first Nazi concentration camp was built, just outside Munich. It is now a memorial site but you’re still able to walk around the large camp and learn about the terrors that occurred here during the Second World War. It can be an overwhelming place, definitely an eye-opening experience, but it’s something everyone should see and reflect on… but please, please be respectful inside. There were so many people in there who acted pretty dumb like posing like a prisoner. Come on. Anyway, here are some photos so you can see for yourself.

Hope you enjoyed the photographs!

Have you been to Munich? Will you be adding it to your itinerary? Let me know what you think in the comments below!